Samsung Galaxy S25+
Where to buy
Checked Oct 22Monthly prices need a carrier plan, billed separately. Lowest first; stores can’t pay to rank higher.
Verdict
A capable phone with a big screen, strong performance, and a few AI features, but limited design changes from past models.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is currently one of the best smartphones on the market when it comes to its features and performance. However, the improvements compared to its predecessor are very modest—essentially being limited to a faster processor, more AI, WiFi 7 instead of WiFi 6 and a more up-to-date Android version.”
“Last year, a big update was made to the Galaxy S Plus model. The S24+ got back its QHD+ resolution and 12GB of RAM and was also included as part of Samsung's impressive seven-year software support promise. You still get all of that this year, but arguably, you don't get nearly as big of an upgrade. The S25+ has a slightly more refined design, a new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and better connectivity, such as Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support. And, you no longer have to fret about getting an Exynos or a Qualcomm chip.”
“The Samsung Galaxy S25+ offers a nearly identical experience to the Ultra, with leading AI and outstanding performance, in a slightly smaller, stylus-free design for less money.”
“Is the Samsung Galaxy S25+ a phone worth buying? Absolutely. Is it easy to overlook and almost forgettable? Yes. That said, as long as you don't have a Galaxy S24 series phone, it's a solid upgrade across the board. It offers excellent performance, a beautiful display, and stellar battery life—and it's not as massive as the Ultra. If you have any Galaxy S21 model, Galaxy S22+, or even the Galaxy S22 Ultra, the latest Galaxy S25+ is fantastic and way closer to the Ultra this year than the older generations. I'd argue this is the Samsung Galaxy model most people should get. If you've ever owned a Samsung Galaxy, you know what you're getting, and that's perfectly fine. Consistency doesn't have to be a bad thing.”
Testing & benchmarks
Watch before you decide
In Depth
Design
The Galaxy S25 Plus maintains a classic look, sticking to Samsung’s familiar design language. It features a flat design, slim bezels, and uses a strong Armor Aluminum 2 frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability.
While not groundbreaking, its slight weight reduction makes it more comfortable to handle. The phone is available in vibrant colors such as Navy and Coral Red, adding personality compared to the more subdued tones of rival phones.
“The design has been refined for better ergonomics without deviating from what works,” says experts, emphasizing its practicality for everyday use.
Display(s)
The display on this phone stands out with its 6.7-inch AMOLED panel, offering a bright and clear view for videos and apps. Its high 120Hz refresh rate means everything moves smoothly. Reviewers noted, “Colors pop off the screen, offering an engaging viewing experience” (Android Central).
Even on bright days, you’ll find the display remains visible, though it may not match the brightest competitors outdoors. Nevertheless, its adaptive brightness effectively manages different lighting situations.
If you enjoy gaming or watching videos, this screen enhances your experience by making content appear more vivid and lifelike.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus redefines swiftness with its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, ensuring seamless performance across apps and games. Reviewers applaud its ‘outstanding results’ for gaming and benchmarks. This powerhouse chip allows for fluid multitasking and provides lasting performance throughout the day.
Even under stress, this phone stays cool with an improved vapor chamber, maintaining speed and efficiency without overheating. If mobile gaming or an on-the-go powerhouse is your priority, the Galaxy S25 Plus delivers admirably.
Software & Storage
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ runs on One UI 7, which offers an intuitive and fluid experience with features like cross-app actions and a vertical scrolling app drawer. These elements make it easy to navigate and manage tasks, enhancing your daily interactions with your phone.
AI features such as Galaxy AI and natural language search boost productivity by allowing you to communicate with the phone more naturally and complete tasks quickly.
Samsung promises seven years of software updates, ensuring your phone remains secure and up-to-date with new features long into the future, as noted by Android Central.
Cameras
The Galaxy S25+ offers the same camera hardware as before with improved image processing through Samsung’s ProVisual Engine. This means brighter, more detailed images in both daylight and low-light conditions while offering consistent color accuracy across its lenses.
The 50MP main camera delivers crisp and vibrant photos, even matching the Ultra in bright conditions. However, reviewers mention that the 3x optical zoom lens struggles in the dark compared to other premium-tier competitors that offer 5x zoom, such as the Pixel 9 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro.
“Samsung’s AI-enhancements make editing processes, like object removal and audio isolation in videos, smoother and more precise,” say experts, a boon for content creators pushing the boundaries of their mobile photography.
Battery
With its 4,900mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ offers commendable endurance that can last you through a full day even with heavy use. Reviewers note it slightly outperforms its predecessor and holds its own against most competition, though it doesn’t quite match the outstanding stamina of some rivals.
Charging won’t keep you waiting long, as the phone supports fast 45W wired charging. Achieve a 70% charge in about 30 minutes, providing convenience for those with busy lifestyles. “Samsung can do better here,” one expert shared, pointing out faster speeds seen in competing models.
Additionally, the 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse charging give you flexibility in powering up, ensuring your devices stay ready when needed. If you’re always on the go, the Galaxy S25+ keeps power management easy and straightforward without frequent interruptions.
Audio
The phone features stereo speakers that combine with the earpiece to deliver impressive sound for entertainment. Reviewers like those at PCMag highlight its ability to fill a room, making movies and games enjoyable without extra equipment.
For calls, the sound remains clear. Experts agree that background noise gets effectively minimized, so you won’t face disturbances during conversations. This ensures your voice always comes through cleanly.
Both the calling and entertainment audio features contribute to a complete and satisfying sound experience, enhancing your daily mobile usage significantly.
The Bottom Line
This phone presents a familiar design with enhanced AI integrations and upgrades in processor speed. Galaxy AI features are praised but sometimes feel incomplete or familiar from other phones. Despite perceived design redundancy, it remains a solid performer with vibrant visuals and a consistent user experience, implying thoughtful software optimization. As PCMag mentions, “…it gets you 90% of the way there for a few hundred dollars less.” Choose it if you desire a large display without the Ultra model’s extras.
What people actually want to know
How much does the Samsung Galaxy S25+ cost?
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ launched at $1,000 USD. Street prices change, so see current deals.
When was the Samsung Galaxy S25+ released?
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ was released on February 3, 2025.
How long will the Samsung Galaxy S25+ receive software updates?
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is guaranteed 7 years of OS updates and 7 years of security updates from launch.
After security support ends, the phone keeps working. It just won't receive fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities.
How long does the battery last on the Samsung Galaxy S25+?
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ scored 14h 26m in GSMArena's endurance test (around average). It packs a 4,900 mAh battery.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S25+ water resistant?
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ carries an IP68 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S25+ support wireless charging?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ supports wireless charging. It supports up to 15W wireless charging.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S25+ have a headphone jack?
No, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S25+ support 5G?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ supports 5G connectivity.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S25+ have NFC?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I get support for the Samsung Galaxy S25+?
Visit Samsung's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the Samsung Galaxy S25+ manual?
You can view and download the Samsung Galaxy S25+ manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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